Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Warm up with this deliciously comforting Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup, featuring tender shredded chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and a rich, creamy base. Packed with flavor and topped with cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, this soup is a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Serve it with tortilla chips or warm bread for an extra cozy meal that warms your soul.
This delicious soup is perfect for chilly evenings. The combination of chicken, creamy base, and zesty flavors makes it a family favorite.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is more than just a weeknight dinner; it's the kind of meal that fits any occasion. Whether you're serving it at a cozy family gathering, hosting friends for game night, or just looking for a comfort food option on a chilly day, this soup is sure to impress. Its rich flavors and creamy texture will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Additionally, this soup is versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences. You can easily make it gluten-free by choosing gluten-free enchilada sauce and tortillas. With a few tweaks, like substituting chicken for a plant-based protein, it can also accommodate vegetarian diets. No matter who you’re serving, this dish has something for everyone!
Easy to Prepare
One of the best aspects of this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is its simplicity. With a straightforward ingredient list and effortless preparation steps, even novice cooks can whip this up with ease. Most of the ingredients come together in one pot, minimizing cleanup and allowing you to focus on spending time with your family or guests.
In just about 30 minutes, you can create a hearty and delicious meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast, this recipe keeps the stress out of cooking while delivering maximum flavor!
Make It Your Own
One of the joys of cooking is making the recipe your own, and this soup allows for plenty of customization. Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto or kidney beans, or add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. You can also adjust the spices to suit your family's taste; more chili powder for heat or extra cream for richness.
Don't forget about the toppings! While shredded cheese and sour cream are classic choices, consider adding avocado slices, jalapeños, or even pickled red onions for a unique twist. Making this soup your own will not only enhance the flavors but also create a dish that speaks to your culinary style.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful soup:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese for topping
- Sour cream for serving
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Tortilla chips or warm bread (optional for serving)
Make sure to prep all ingredients before starting to cook for a smoother cooking process.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup:
Cook the Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, combine the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and enchilada sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Add Chicken and Spices
Stir in the shredded chicken, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add Cream
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through without boiling.
Serve
Serve hot topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy with tortilla chips or warm bread.
Don't forget to adjust the seasoning to your taste before serving.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing your Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup with crispy tortilla chips, warm, flaky bread, or cornbread. These sides complement the soup’s textures and flavors beautifully. The crunch of tortilla chips or the softness of warm bread makes each spoonful of soup even more satisfying.
For a complete meal, you could also serve a fresh salad on the side. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup, balancing out the meal perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have leftover Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup, you're in for a treat! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it thickens too much.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Divide it into individual portions and freeze in airtight containers. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above for a quick and comforting meal.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond its comforting taste, Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup offers several nutritional benefits. The shredded chicken provides a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle health and energy levels. Additionally, the inclusion of black beans and corn adds dietary fiber, crucial for digestion and overall wellness.
The vibrant tomatoes contribute antioxidants, while the spices like cumin and garlic not only enhance flavor but also provide anti-inflammatory properties. This soup is a delicious way to nourish your body while enjoying a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe.
→ Is there a vegetarian version?
You can substitute the chicken with additional beans or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
Warm up with this deliciously comforting Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup, featuring tender shredded chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and a rich, creamy base. Packed with flavor and topped with cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, this soup is a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Serve it with tortilla chips or warm bread for an extra cozy meal that warms your soul.
Created by: Talia Preston
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6.0
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese for topping
- Sour cream for serving
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Tortilla chips or warm bread (optional for serving)
How-To Steps
In a large pot over medium heat, combine the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and enchilada sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the shredded chicken, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through without boiling.
Serve hot topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy with tortilla chips or warm bread.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 30g